Tractor rollovers are one of the leading causes of death among farm workers in the United States. As the name suggests, this type of accident occurs when the tractor rolls over on its side. This may occur due to a sudden change in the slope of the earth, turning too sharply, or failure to navigate sloping terrain at a safe speed.

WHAT IS A ROPS?

A Rollover Protection System, or ROPS, is a cab or frame designed to prevent injury or death when a rollover occurs.

ROPS PROTECTION

Required by law, all operators using a ROPS-equipped tractor must wear a seatbelt. A tractor’s ROPS and seat belt work together to protect the operator, and to reduce the risk of injury during a rollover. The seatbelt keeps them in the seat, and the ROPS provides distance between the seat and the ground, keeping the tractor from landing on top of the operator.

HOW TO PREVENT BACKWARD UPSETS

Use a Tractor Equipped with a Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS), and a Seat Belt. If Not Available, Have the Tractor Retrofitted.

• Hitch only at the manufacturer’s recommended height.
• Engage the clutch pedal slowly and smoothly. Be ready to disengage power quickly if the front end begins to come up.
• Start forward motion slowly and change speed gradually.
• Use counterweights to increase tractor stability. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
• Avoid backing downhill.
• Drive around ditches, not across them.
• Back your tractor out when stuck or tow the stuck machine out with another tractor. Tractors are also prone to tipping when the wheels are stuck – for example, in mud or snow.
• Turn downhill when working across a slope.
• Drive straight down even the gentlest slope. Do not drive diagonally across it.
• Do not hitch a load higher than the tractor drawbar.
• Do not coast downhill (that is, do not go downhill with the clutch engaged). Before starting down a hill, shift to a lower gear that prevents freewheeling and excessive braking. Try to use the same gear to go down a hill that you would use to pull the load uphill.
• Add front-end weights when raising heavy rear-mounted equipment.
• Keep front-end loader buckets low when pulling rear-mounted loads.

FINAL WORD

Tractors pull harvesting equipment and other heavy machinery necessary to complete work on the farm. They also help your employees navigate difficult terrain. Using tractors with ROPS and wearing a seatbelt will help protect you in the event of a rollover accident.